Court archive
Court reports mentioning Foynes, Limerick
2026-07-31 · Dublin
Ibrahim Ahmed Gharib, an Egyptian national, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for raping a woman in Dublin just a year after his release from a previous 10-year sentence for a similar crime. The Central Criminal Court heard that Gharib, who had a prior conviction for rape, was found guilty of raping Christina Foley in a builders' shed on Poolbeg Street. During the trial, the victim described the incident, stating that she did not consent to the attack and was in a distressed state when she tried to report it to the Garda Station. Mr Justice Sean Gillane noted the severity of the crime and the victim's impact statement, which highlighted the victim's despair and exacerbated anxiety. Gharib, who claimed the victim was a liar, was placed on the sex offenders' register and had his sentence backdated. The court also heard that the victim had been consuming drugs and was homeless at the time of the attack. The judge reduced the headline sentence from 12 years to 11 years, considering Gharib's isolation and lack of prior violent offenses.
2026-07-20 · Dublin
Ibrahim Ahmed Gharib, a violent rapist who was released from a 10-year sentence in 2024, raped another woman just a year later. Gharib was found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting Christina Foley in a builders' shed in Dublin. The victim was arrested while trying to report the incident at a garda station and later suffered from anxiety and trauma. Gharib had previously been jailed for 10 years in 2018 for raping a student. The court heard that Gharib had a history of criminal behaviour and was released in January 2024. The victim, who waived her anonymity, expressed the impact of the crime on her life and thanked the gardaí and legal team for their support. Gharib's defence argued that he did not accept the verdict but acknowledged the victim's vindication. The court will sentence Gharib later this month.
2026-04-24 · Westmeath
Gary O'Shaughnessy, 39, of Mullingar, Co Westmeath, has been committed to the Central Mental Hospital for inpatient care and treatment following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The jury returned unanimous verdicts of not guilty by reason of insanity on two charges: the alleged attempted murder of his brother, Mark (42), and intentionally or recklessly causing him serious harm. The alleged offences occurred at the same address between May 15 and 16, 2024. O'Shaughnessy had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to both counts. The court heard evidence that the accused struck his vulnerable, partially blind brother with a hammer and cut his neck with a knife. Prosecution and defence psychiatrists testified that O'Shaughnessy was suffering from schizophrenia at the time, which prevented him from knowing the nature and quality of his acts or refraining from them. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, relying on a report by consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Dearbhla Duffy, was satisfied that O'Shaughnessy suffers from a mental disorder and requires inpatient care. The judge ordered his commitment to the Central Mental Hospital in Portrane, Co Dublin, pursuant to section 5(3) of the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. This commitment will continue until a further order is made under section 13 of the Act. The judge described the case as "terribly sad" and noted the verdict aligned with the medical evidence.
2026-04-16 · Westmeath
A 39-year-old man from Mullingar, Gary O'Shaughnessy, was found not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity after attacking his partially blind brother with a hammer and knife. The jury reached a unanimous verdict within 32 minutes, noting that O'Shaughnessy suffered from schizophrenia and was under the influence of delusional beliefs that he and his brother were cursed. The defense argued that O'Shaughnessy's mental illness rendered him incapable of understanding the nature of his actions. Psychiatrists testified that he believed the only way to avert a post-apocalyptic curse was to kill his brother. The court accepted that O'Shaughnessy had not been drinking on the day of the attack and that his mental disorder prevented him from knowing the wrongfulness of his actions. Judge Tony Hunt commended the jury for their prompt decision and ordered O'Shaughnessy's commitment to the Central Mental Hospital for psychiatric assessment. The victim, Mark O'Shaughnessy, was found in a critical condition with severe injuries, and the case was described as a "terrible shroud of sadness" by the defense. Gary O'Shaughnessy was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
2026-04-15 · Westmeath
A care assistant described the moment she entered the home of her vulnerable and partially blind client to find him covered in blood and in the company of his brother, who told her he had "drained" his sibling. Gary O'Shaughnessy, 39, is charged with attempted murder and causing serious harm to his brother, Mark O'Shaughnessy, after an incident in May 2024. Two psychiatrists testified that Gary suffers from schizophrenia and fulfils the criteria for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Care assistant Louise McGloin testified that she found Mark covered in blood and Gary sitting on a couch, claiming he had "drained" his brother. Paramedics found Mark in a critical state with a catastrophic haemorrhage from a neck injury. Gary told gardai that he had been drinking heavily, heard voices, and was influenced by hallucinations to kill his brother. Forensic psychiatrists testified that Gary was suffering from schizophrenia and did not know the nature and quality of his actions.
2026-04-14 · Westmeath
A 39-year-old man, who has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the attempted murder of his vulnerable brother, told gardai that he tried to kill his sibling with a hammer and by slitting his neck and wrists, a Central Criminal Court jury has heard. Gary O'Shaughnessy is charged with the attempted murder of his brother Mark O'Shaughnessy (42) at the same address between May 15 and 16, 2024. The brothers were living at Ailesbury House at the time. He is further charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to his brother on the same date and at the same location. Mr O'Shaughnessy has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to both charges. Opening the prosecution's case, Ronan Kennedy SC said there is no dispute that the accused attempted to kill and cause serious harm to his brother by stabbing him and striking him on the head with a hammer. Counsel said the case will centre on the mental state of the accused.
2026-02-16 · Donegal
A man from Killygordon in Donegal has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment, with the final six months suspended, following his conviction at the Central Criminal Court for a series of sexual offences. Eunan Merritt, aged 56, was found guilty by jury after an 11-day trial of eight counts of rape, four counts of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault committed between June 1999 and September 2003. The offences were perpetrated against a woman who waived her anonymity, detailing in her victim impact statement how the abuse had fundamentally altered her life trajectory and ongoing mental health. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo noted that Merritt had exploited his victim's vulnerability over an extended period and rejected limited cooperation with gardaí as mitigation. The judge observed that the defendant presented contrasting versions of himself to his victims and the public. Merritt maintains he does not accept the jury's verdicts.
2026-02-13 · Dublin
An offender with a high risk of recidivism who was caught with and distributed videos of child sexual abuse has been jailed for three years and six months, with the final nine months suspended. Murilo Dos Santos (36) of North Circular Road, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty last year at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of images of child sexual abuse, known in law as child pornography, and to distribution of the material between November 18, 2020, and January 2021. Detective Garda Donagh Mannix told the court that a search of Dos Santos' home in Christchurch, Dublin, uncovered 66 videos on his phone, which were in contravention of the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act. Dos Santos shared these videos with six others between October 2020 and November 2020, including one particularly graphic video involving a child aged between six and 12 months. Other videos involved children aged between eight and 12 years old, some engaged in sexual activity with adults. Gardaí also found that Dos Santos used a sharing app to distribute the material.
2025-10-13 · Dublin
Aaron Barwell, 30, of Coldcut Park, Dublin, pleaded guilty to one count of oral rape, one of rape and one of attempted rape against three escort victims between January and August 2021. He lured each victim to his home, used violence and threats, and in the first case forced oral sex and used a hammer. In the second case he threatened with a screwdriver and forced oral, vaginal and anal sex. In the third case he threatened to kill her and used a screwdriver, but the victim resisted and escaped. Gardaí seized a knife, cable ties and a silver hammer during a search of his apartment. Barwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with the final two years suspended. The Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal, upholding the 20‑year term and the suspended portion. The case remains at the appellate stage.
2025-10-13 · Laois
During a sentence hearing in March, Chloe Loran, aged 16 when the relationship began, delivered a victim impact statement describing the emotional trauma of being raped twice by Martin Harte, 33, in 2019 and 2022. She said the assaults left her feeling as if she had been murdered and that her body remained while her life was destroyed. Harte, of Marian Hill, pleaded guilty to defilement in 2013 and to the two rapes. The court imposed a nine‑year prison term, with the final year suspended indefinitely under strict conditions, and a four‑year post‑release supervision order. Harte was also directed to avoid any contact with Loran and to comply with all probation directions. The judge noted the aggravating factors of the offences occurring in Loran's home and the breach of trust. The sentence reflected Harte's global offending and the mitigating factors presented by his defence.
2025-07-21 · Dublin
Murilo Dos Santos, 36, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material between November 2020 and January 2021. Gardaí seized his phone during a separate investigation, finding 66 videos that contravened the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act. Dos Santos shared these videos with six others via a sharing app and WhatsApp, including a 5‑minute clip of a child aged 6‑12 months strapped down, and other footage of children aged 8‑12 and 10‑14 years in sexual activity. He also sent a MEGA folder link and a photograph of himself, claiming he was acting as a vigilante. Judge Orla Crowe revoked his bail and remanded him in custody until 1 December 2025 pending sentencing. No other participants were prosecuted. The case remains at the sentencing stage.
2025-06-26 · Limerick
The Court of Appeal has refused an application to extend time for an appeal against the sentence of a 53-year-old man convicted of sexual exploitation, sexual assault, and child cruelty. The appellant, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the injured parties, was found guilty by a jury in the north west on May 19, 2022. He was subsequently sentenced by Judge John Aylmer on November 2, 2022, to nine years and six months in prison, with the final 12 months suspended. The offences, which occurred between June 2011 and September 2015, involved the appellant's daughters, who were in their early to mid-teens at the time. Defence counsel Dara Foynes SC submitted an enlargement of time application, arguing the appellant believed his notice of appeal was on record, though his solicitor stated it was never received. Mr Justice John Edwards noted the appellant had made no engagement with the sentencing judge's remarks and raised no error of principle. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, delivering the ruling for the three-judge court, stated that victims have a legitimate expectation of closure and that courts must not permit cases to be elongated. He emphasized that reopening the case would cause revictimization to the injured parties. The court found no basis to justify ventilating the case afresh and refused the application to extend time, denying the defence an adjournment to file further affidavits.
2025-04-28 · Carlow
The DPP has appealed against the sentences imposed on Keith McCormack Smith, Jason Ryle, and PJ Lyons following their guilty pleas for arson and other offences in May 2022. The prosecution argues the sentences were unduly lenient for a targeted, pre-meditated attack where a stolen Toyota was rammed into Tip Top Tanning Studio in Carlow, causing over €250,000 in damage while residents slept above. McCormack Smith, who had 24 previous convictions, was sentenced to six years with the final two suspended. Ryle and Lyons, who had 29 and 17 previous convictions respectively, each received five and a half years with the final two suspended. The DPP contends the headline sentence of eight years was too low, citing aggravating factors including the use of accelerant and the defendants being on bail. Defence counsel argued the sentences were appropriate, noting the men were acting on instructions to clear a drug debt and had made full admissions. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, viewed video footage of the incident and reserved its judgment to be delivered at a later date.
2025-03-11 · Limerick
Two women, aged 33 and younger, testified that they were sexually abused by an older cousin and a second cousin, and that their families did not believe them. The 33‑year‑old accused pleaded guilty to rape, oral rape and sexual assault of the older girl and sexual assault of the younger girl between 2004 and 2008 at their grandparents' home. His older brother, aged 34, pleaded guilty to one count of rape and sexual assault of the older girl in 2005. The second cousin, aged 14 at the time of the offence, was charged only for one incident. The court heard the women described lifelong trauma, PTSD and loss of family support. Mr Justice Tony Hunt adjourned sentencing to 31 March, remanded the men in custody and praised the women's strength. The accused men read apology letters and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. The case remains at the sentencing stage.
2024-10-29 · Longford
A 23-year-old man from Longford has been sentenced to three years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court following his conviction for the rape and sexual assault of his younger cousins. The defendant was found guilty of orally raping his cousin when she was aged eight or nine, and of sexually assaulting her younger sister when she was between seven and eight years old. The offences occurred between 2016 and 2021, when the defendant was between 14 and 18 years of age. The first victim, now 16, detailed the profound psychological impact of the abuse, including night terrors and anxiety. The second victim, now 12, said she initially remained silent about the assault before coming forward after her sister disclosed her own experience. In sentencing, Mr Justice Paul Burns acknowledged the defendant's age at the time of the offences and reduced the headline sentence accordingly. The final 12 months of the three-year sentence on the rape charge are suspended, subject to probation supervision for three years following release.
2024-07-29 · Dublin
Aaron Barwell, aged 29, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, with a two‑year suspended portion, for a series of violent sexual offences committed against three escort victims between January and August 2021. He pleaded guilty to one count of oral rape, one of rape and one of attempted rape. The court described the offences as "abysmal" and noted that Barwell had arranged for each victim to come to his residence, where he used violence, threats and a screwdriver to coerce sexual acts. He also faced a separate charge of possession of cocaine for sale or supply, for which he received a suspended sentence. The judge imposed four years of post‑release supervision, prohibited contact with the victims and required him to commit no further sexual offences. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes and the need for rehabilitation.
2024-02-15 · Roscommon
A Roscommon man convicted of repeatedly sexually assaulting a teenage girl employed as a babysitter has had his sentence reduced on appeal. Michael King, aged 53 and resident of Warren View, Boyle, was originally sentenced to five and a half years imprisonment by Roscommon Circuit Criminal Court in May 2023 following his conviction on twelve counts of sexual assault. The Court of Appeal has now reduced his term by fifteen months. King had pleaded not guilty but was unanimously convicted by jury of all charges relating to offences against a girl aged 16, committed over a nine-month period ending in September 2005. The Court of Appeal found the trial judge erred in imposing consecutive sentences, determining the cumulative headline sentence of ten and a half years was excessive. The court re-sentenced King to five years imprisonment with the final nine months suspended. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy cited mitigating factors including the passage of time since the offences and King's subsequent pro-social conduct, though noting the absence of a guilty plea.
2024-02-12 · Limerick
A 28-year-old man pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to two counts of rape and one count of attempted rape committed between January and August 2021. The court heard that the defendant, who had been remanded in custody since August 2021, attacked three women working as escorts at his residence. During the incidents, he allegedly used a rope, hammer, and screwdriver to threaten and assault the complainants. Although originally facing 15 counts, a proposal was made on the first day of the trial, which the Director of Public Prosecutions accepted on the basis that full facts would be outlined during sentencing. The defendant also pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply, for which he received a suspended sentence. Mr Justice Tony Hunt adjourned the case to April 8, when victim impact statements and a plea of mitigation will be heard. The matter was adjourned and is not yet concluded.
2024-01-29 · Roscommon
Michael King, 53, of Warren View, Boyle, Co Roscommon, appealed to the Court of Appeal against his five-and-a-half-year sentence for 12 counts of sexual assault. In May 2023, Judge Kenneth Connolly at Roscommon Circuit Court jailed King after a jury unanimously convicted him on all counts, despite his not guilty pleas. The offences, committed over nine months ending in September 2005, involved the sexual abuse of a 16-year-old babysitter. King was sentenced to five-and-a-half years on two consecutive counts of sexual assault, with the other ten charges taken into account. The trial judge reduced a headline sentence of two-and-a-half years on one count to 18 months, suspending the final 12 months, and reduced an eight-year headline on another count to five years. Counsel for King argued the sentence was excessive and that consecutive sentencing was inappropriate. Counsel for the State contended the sentence reflected the gravity of the escalating abuse and breach of trust. The Court of Appeal, comprising Mr Justice Edwards, Mr Justice Birmingham, and Mr Justice McCarthy, noted the lack of guilty pleas and the significant age disparity. The court reserved its judgement in the matter.
2023-11-13 · Dublin
A 57‑year‑old Dublin man was sentenced to nine and a half years in prison after a Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty of five counts of rape of his wife, committed in their family home and a holiday home in 2006 and 2018. He was acquitted of three other rape counts and a ninth count was not agreed upon. The judge described the offences as a fundamental breach of trust and bodily integrity, noting that the rapes occurred while their children were present, sometimes with a baby in the bedroom. The victim, whose identity is protected, said the husband abused her under the "guise of Catholic entitlements," controlling her and denying any wrongdoing. She testified that she had been isolated and felt worthless, and that the abuse escalated when she prioritized their children's needs.
2022-12-20 · Limerick
The 71‑year‑old man, whose name is withheld to protect victims, was sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment for a series of child sexual offences spanning 28 years. He first abused his daughter between 1979 and 1985, then a babysitter between 1996 and 1998, and finally his stepdaughter between 2003 and 2007. The court heard he had attended counselling after his daughter disclosed the abuse, but he continued to offend. He pleaded guilty to 37 counts of indecent assault and was convicted of oral, anal and vaginal rape of his stepdaughter. The judge noted the persistent nature of the abuse and the breach of trust involved. Consecutive sentences totalling 15 years were imposed, with the final two years suspended under strict conditions, including post‑release supervision. The court wished the victims well for the future.
2021-04-19 · Dublin
Samuel Pop, aged 27, from Charnwood Court, Clonsilla, Dublin, has been sentenced to four years imprisonment following a conviction for false imprisonment and robbery at the Clayton Hotel, Dublin 4, on 6 November 2019. Pop pleaded guilty to his involvement in an attack on an escort in her hotel room, during which he and a co-accused, who has since died in custody, restrained and robbed the victim of cash, a phone and passport. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Pop's co-accused was the primary aggressor in the incident. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a sentence of five-and-a-half years with the final 18 months suspended, subject to strict conditions including payment of €5,000 compensation to the victim. Pop has previous convictions relating to a similar incident in Roscommon in October 2019.
2020-03-10 · Sligo
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has viewed video evidence from Ballymote Garda Station in which a man described to detectives how he killed his wife. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, from Crozon Park in Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The footage, recorded on 2 May 2018, showed Mr Karaczyn explaining to gardaí that he strangled his 30-year-old wife Natalia at their home between 29 April and 1 May 2018. During the interview, he demonstrated the actions using a toilet roll held in both hands. The court heard that Mr Karaczyn was placed on suicide watch by District Court order the day after his admission. Earlier interviews were also shown to the jury, in which Mr Karaczyn had denied involvement and alleged that an unknown man had threatened him. The trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon.
2020-03-09 · Sligo
At the Central Criminal Court, a jury has heard evidence from the eighth garda interview with a 34-year-old man charged with the murder of his wife. The accused, from Crozon Park in Ballymote, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During questioning at Ballymote Garda Station on May 2nd, 2018, he admitted to strangling his wife following her return from a night out on April 29th, 2018. He told detectives he woke when she arrived home and, after she pushed and slapped him during an argument, he strangled her. He described feeling "very big regret and grief" afterwards. The accused also told gardai he subsequently moved her body to a car boot but dropped it on the kitchen floor as it was too heavy. In earlier interviews, he had provided an account involving threats from an unknown man, but later admitted these claims were false. The trial at the Central Criminal Court is continuing.
2020-03-05 · Sligo
A man has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter following the death of his wife at their home in Crozon Park, Sligo, between 29 April and 1 May 2018. Rafal Karaczyn (34) denied to gardaí that he killed his wife because he was angry and jealous, the Central Criminal Court heard. The Acting State Pathologist gave evidence that the deceased, aged 30, died from asphyxia due to external pressure on the neck and that death was not instantaneous. Bruising on her left forearm may have been defensive injuries. The court heard that the accused initially denied involvement during his first four interviews with gardaí, later providing an account of discovering his wife in a distressed state and subsequently transporting and concealing her body. The trial continues.
2020-03-04 · Sligo
A man on trial for murder told gardaí at Ballymote Garda Station in County Sligo to search for CCTV footage of a six-foot man with red hair, whom he claimed had threatened him with a gun weeks before his wife disappeared. The Central Criminal Court heard evidence from four interviews conducted with the accused on April 30th and May 1st, 2018. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his wife Natalia, aged 30, at their family home between April 29th and May 1st, 2018. The jury previously heard that on May 2nd, 2018, the accused told his sister-in-law he had strangled his wife. CCTV footage showed him moving her silver Peugeot car early on April 29th and driving towards Holywell Road. A former employer described him as gentle and mild-mannered. The trial continues.
2020-03-03 · Sligo
A garda has testified at the Central Criminal Court that he discovered the body of a woman in a forested area off the Holywell Road near Ballymote, County Sligo, after being directed there by the accused man. Garda James Kenneally told the court that on the afternoon of May 1st, 2018, he located the partially concealed remains in dense woodland following specific directions from the defendant. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his wife, Natalia Karaczyn, aged 30, at their home between April 29th and May 1st, 2018. The garda also described earlier observations at the family home, including a washing machine containing dark shoes and the defendant's apparent anxiety when asked to contact his wife. Upon arrest on suspicion of murder, Karaczyn replied to caution by questioning what proof existed. The trial at the Central Criminal Court continues.
2020-03-02 · Sligo
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, a jury heard evidence regarding the movements of a woman on the morning she died. CCTV footage showed the 30-year-old returning to her home in Crozon Park, Sligo at 6.23am on 29 April 2018 following a night out. Nearly two hours later, her husband sent a text to her phone asking "where are you?", the court heard. Garda evidence placed the defendant in a silver Peugeot at the time of the message, with footage tracking his movements that morning, including driving up the side of the house and later towards Holywell Road before returning home. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. A witness told the court she observed the defendant's wife and another individual kissing at a bar shortly before 3am that night. The trial before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon continues.
2020-03-02 · Sligo
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, a trial heard evidence on Monday concerning the movements of a 30-year-old woman in the hours before her death. A man gave testimony that he accompanied the woman to his home in Sligo in the early morning of April 29th, 2018, and walked her partway home after approximately two hours. A garda told the court that CCTV footage showed the woman entering her family home at 6.23am that morning. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park in Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of his wife between April 29th and May 1st, 2018. The trial, before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury, continues to hear evidence regarding the circumstances surrounding her death.
2019-11-13 · Sligo
Keith Brady, aged 32, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, stands charged with murder following the death of a local musician at New Apartments on Holborn Street in August 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. At the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard evidence of interviews conducted by gardaí. In an August 2015 interview at Sligo Garda Station, Mr Brady admitted stabbing the deceased and stated that matters had spiralled beyond his control. However, during a subsequent November interview at Ballymote Garda Station, he denied involvement and claimed memory loss due to intoxication. The court was informed that Mr Brady later approached prison authorities at Castlerea Prison in Roscommon in December 2015, requesting to speak with a sergeant who had previously interviewed him. During this meeting, Mr Brady provided a detailed account in which he acknowledged responsibility, expressed remorse to the deceased's family, and described the incident as unintentional. The trial continues.
2019-11-12 · Sligo
At the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, a garda inspector has denied allegations that he fabricated evidence against a Sligo man charged with murder. Inspector Patrick Harney testified that Keith Brady, aged 32, of Cartron Estate, made certain statements upon being charged with the death of Martin Kivlehan on 2 or 3 August 2015 at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo. The defence barrister, Kenneth Fogarty SC, contended that a particular statement attributed to Mr Brady was not included in the inspector's written account, and suggested the omission was designed to present his client unfavourably. Inspector Harney stated the remark appeared in his notebook and was recorded at the time. Mr Justice Alex Owens cautioned the defence counsel on proper procedure when making such allegations. Mr Brady has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denies murder. The trial before Mr Justice Owens and jury continues. Keith Brady pleaded not guilty.
2018-12-19 · Dublin
In a Central Criminal Court trial, 40‑year‑old Keith Connorton pleaded not guilty to the murder of 32‑year‑old Graham McKeever, who was stabbed to death at Connorton's home on 18 February 2017. Connorton told Gardaí that his dream of a happy family with his son and his partner had been ruined. He claimed he had met his partner, Claire McGrath, at a Luas stop, comforted her after a breakup, and described her as "beautiful" and "nice sweet young one". Connorton said he loved her "to bits" and that he wanted to be free of heroin and have a happy family. He had been on a methadone programme, reducing his daily dose from 115mls to 55mls. The trial, presided over by Justice Tony Hunt, continues with a jury of nine men and three women. The case involves a fight between Connorton and McKeever, during which McKeever received a fatal stab wound to the heart.
2018-11-26 · Sligo
The trial of Keith Brady, 31, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, continued at the Central Criminal Court on its fifth day. Brady is charged with murdering Martin Kivlehan, 59, on a date unknown between August 2nd and 3rd, 2015, at The New Apartments on Holborn Street. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During cross-examination, Sergeant Martin McHale read memos from a fourth garda interview conducted on August 5th, 2015. In these statements, Brady alleged that he and his sister, Janice Brady, were "off their heads" on drugs. He claimed he stabbed the deceased because he believed Mr Kivlehan had "touched her up," while stating that Janice put a knife to the victim's throat. Brady expressed regret, noting he did not want the man dead. The court previously heard that the deceased sustained two stab wounds to his neck and was found by friends on the morning of the August bank holiday. The jury began viewing a video of this interview and will continue watching the remainder when the trial resumes on Tuesday morning. The matter is currently ongoing and has not been finalised.
2018-11-23 · Sligo
Keith Brady, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, is charged with the murder of Martin Kivlehan, a musician, at his home on Holborn Street between 2nd and 3rd August 2015. He has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea the State rejected. At the Central Criminal Court, Detective Sergeant Patrick Harney testified that Brady was arrested on 3rd August 2015 and denied involvement, stating he "never murdered anyone." Brady became agitated during questioning, pacing and punching a desk whilst requesting a Bible. Sergeant Martin McHale told the court that during interview the following day, Brady refused to provide a DNA swab, citing legal advice. He denied responsibility for Kivlehan's death but declined to answer questions about his whereabouts that night or provide an alibi, instructing gardai "no comment." Brady had been initially arrested under the Misuse of Drugs Act earlier that evening but no drugs were found. The trial before Justice Carmel Stewart continues.
2017-11-21 · Sligo
A brother and sister arrested during a murder investigation were permitted to meet while in garda custody at Sligo Garda Station, the Central Criminal Court heard. The meeting, described as highly unusual, took place in August 2015 and was supervised by gardai. During the encounter, the woman encouraged her brother to tell the truth and remarked she would be sixty years old upon release. Keith Brady, aged thirty, of Cartron Estate in Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Martin Kivlehan on August 2nd or 3rd, 2015 at New Apartments, Holborn Street, Sligo. The State rejected his manslaughter plea, and he faces trial before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. A superintendent explained he authorised the meeting after the woman expressed concern for her brother's welfare and indicated she wished to tell the truth. A garda who supervised the meeting confirmed it was unusual but stated he did not believe it would compromise the investigation. The trial continues.
2017-11-16 · Sligo
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence regarding the arrest of Keith Brady, 30, of Cartron Estate, Sligo, who is on trial for the death of Mr Kivlehan, 59, at New Apartments, Holborn St, Sligo, on August 2/3, 2015. Mr Brady pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter; this plea was not accepted, and he is currently standing trial. Sergeant Pat Harney of Sligo Garda Station testified that Mr Brady and his sister, Janice Brady, were at the garda station on August 3, 2015. Mr Brady had previously been arrested under the Misuse of Drugs Act by Detective Garda Conor Jordan, who noted Mr Brady was a heroin addict. Sgt Harney stated the decision was made to arrest Mr Brady on suspicion of Mr Kivlehan's murder. During the arrest, Mr Brady was described as extremely agitated and aggressive, shouting to his sister: "Don't say anything, they are trying to stitch us up." Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC agreed with the prosecution that Mr Brady was not aggressive towards any person, but only towards inanimate objects. The trial continues before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of seven women and five men.
2017-11-15 · Sligo
At the Central Criminal Court, the Deputy State Pathologist gave evidence in the murder trial of a 30-year-old Sligo man accused of fatally stabbing a musician in his home. Dr Michael Curtis testified that the deceased, Martin Kivlehan, aged 59, had consumed alcohol at potentially fatal levels—approximately eight times the legal drink-driving limit—and bore no defensive injuries. The pathologist identified two stab wounds to the neck, either of which could have proved fatal independently. He stated it was a distinct possibility the victim was incapacitated by intoxication and unable to defend himself. Keith Brady of Cartron Estate has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with Mr Kivlehan's death on August 2nd or 3rd, 2015 at New Apartments, Holborn Street. The plea was rejected and Brady faces trial. Evidence regarding CCTV footage and forensic findings was also presented. The trial continues before Justice Paul McDermott and jury.
2016-07-11 · Sligo
A man has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment, with the final year suspended for three years, at the Central Criminal Court for the sexual abuse of his daughter over a decade-long period. The 50-year-old pleaded guilty to two attempted rapes and ten sexual assaults committed between 2003 and 2012 at the family farm and surrounding areas in County Sligo. The abuse began when the victim was five years old and occurred almost daily. The court heard the man had been diagnosed as a paedophile by a psychiatrist following an assessment linked to an addiction to pornography. The victim, now twenty, first disclosed the abuse to her school chaplain at seventeen. Mr Justice Tony Hunt ordered the man be registered as a sex offender and undergo eighteen months post-release supervision. The court noted there were other victims within the family beyond the primary complainant.
2016-06-20 · Sligo
A man in his fifties appeared before the Central Criminal Court in relation to serious sexual offences committed against his daughter over a decade-long period at the family farm in County Sligo. The defendant pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted rape and ten counts of sexual assault committed between 2003 and 2012. The prosecution indicated these charges were representative of thirty-seven total offences. The victim, now aged twenty, disclosed the abuse to her school chaplain at seventeen years old. During proceedings, she provided a victim impact statement describing the systematic nature of the abuse and its profound psychological effects. A psychiatric assessment concluded the defendant presented as a paedophile. Mr Justice Tony Hunt remanded the man in custody pending sentencing on 11 July, stating he required time to consider the case carefully given the gravity of the offences and concerns regarding rehabilitation and public safety.
2016-05-09 · Limerick
In May 2016 Irish Cement Ltd filed a High Court challenge to a compulsory purchase order issued by An Bord Pleanála, which allowed Shannon Foynes Port Company to acquire 37.5 hectares of the cement company's land for harbour expansion. The company argues that An Bord failed to properly assess its constitutional property rights when granting the order. The court granted permission to proceed on an ex‑parte basis and placed a stay on the port company's actions under the order until the matter is decided. The case is scheduled for a June hearing.
2015-05-19 · Dublin
Chico Makamda, an Angolan refugee aged 32, was sentenced by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three years in jail, with the final year suspended, for false imprisonment of Melita Cahill on 7 August 2013. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Blessington Street when Makamda grabbed Cahill's right wrist, shouted "you drank too much bitch," and attempted to drag her into a laneway. Cahill fought back, punched and kicked him, and escaped after a male passerby intervened. Makamda was arrested shortly thereafter at a nearby bus stop. Cahill's victim impact statement noted that the event left her with lasting anxiety and panic attacks, preventing her from walking alone at night. The judge acknowledged Makamda's limited English and hardship as a foreign national in custody. The sentence was delayed due to a prior conviction in Tralee District Court for indecent exposure, for which Makamda was fined €50. Chico Makamda pleaded guilty.
2015-03-24 · Dublin
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 32‑year‑old Chico Makamda pleaded guilty to false imprisonment of Melita Cahill on 7 August 2013. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Blessington Street when Makamda, a Limerick resident originally from Angola, grabbed Cahill's right wrist and attempted to drag her into a laneway while shouting "you drank too much bitch." Cahill resisted, punching and kicking him, and managed to escape after about a minute and a half of restraint. A passer‑by heard her screams and helped her. Cahill's victim impact statement described lasting anxiety and panic attacks, noting she could not walk alone at night. The judge adjourned sentencing to the following month, with the case pending further proceedings.
2014-04-03 · Sligo
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has found Simon McGinley, aged 30 of Connaughton Road Car Park in Sligo, guilty of the murder of Eugene Gillespie, a 67-year-old retired telecoms broker. McGinley had initially denied the murder charge but admitted manslaughter, a plea the State rejected. He pleaded guilty to false imprisonment and burglary at Mr Gillespie's Old Market Street home on 19 September 2012. Mr Gillespie was discovered tied up in his hallway two days after the assault and died in hospital following cardiac arrest. The jury, after five hours of deliberation, returned a unanimous guilty verdict on 3 April 2014. Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan imposed a life sentence, backdated to 29 September 2012, with concurrent sentences of ten years for false imprisonment and seven years for burglary. A victim impact statement highlighted the family's trauma and called for enhanced resources for An Garda Síochána to protect vulnerable people.
2014-03-31 · Sligo
The Court of Criminal Appeal has declined to order a retrial of two nightclub doormen whose assault convictions were previously quashed. Frankie Murphy, aged 44, of Stephen Street, Sligo, and John Molloy, aged 33, of Creggs Road, Ballina, County Mayo, had been found guilty in October 2011 by Sligo Circuit Criminal Court of assault causing harm following an incident at Envy nightclub on 18 February 2009. The victim lost part of one finger when an entrance door was closed against him. The appeal court found the convictions unsafe and set them aside last month. Although the Director of Public Prosecutions sought a retrial, Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne ruled that weaknesses in key prosecution witness evidence and the considerable time elapsed since the alleged offence made a retrial inappropriate. The court identified deficiencies in how the trial judge charged the jury regarding self-defence, accident, and joint enterprise. Costs were awarded to Mr Molloy.
2014-03-26 · Sligo
Simon McGinley, 30, of Sligo, is standing trial at the Central Criminal Court for the death of Eugene Gillespie, 67. McGinley pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The State did not accept the manslaughter plea, and a jury was sworn in for the two-week trial. He also pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment of Mr Gillespie and trespass to commit robbery at his home in Old Market Street on September 19, 2012. The prosecution alleges McGinley made a 999 call from an acquaintance's phone, stating a man was tied up in a house across from the Garda station. Garda Sergeant Terry Coleman received the brief call, which was disconnected before details could be clarified. Garda Michael Twyford checked the described property but found nothing untoward. Detective Garda Seamus O'Donnell testified that Mr Gillespie's home was ransacked, with broken furniture and a large blood stain. Paramedic Aidan Duggan found Mr Gillespie unconscious on the floor. The court heard evidence that McGinley placed a bet at 1:35 pm on September 20, 2012, and was seen in a Sligo newsagent on September 23. CCTV footage showed a man believed to be McGinley discarding a SIM card on September 19. The trial continues.
2014-03-25 · Sligo
Simon McGinley, 30, of Connaughton Road, Sligo, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the death of Eugene Gillespie, 67. McGinley pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Gillespie in September 2012. He also pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment of Mr Gillespie and trespass to commit robbery at his home in Old Market Street on September 19, 2012. The State did not accept the manslaughter plea, and a jury was sworn in for the trial. Prosecutors alleged that Mr Gillespie was subjected to violence, found unconscious with his hands tied, and died of bronchial pneumonia resulting from blunt force trauma. Evidence included an anonymous 999 call reporting a tied-up man, which led gardai to the wrong address. The court heard that Mr Gillespie was last seen on September 19 and found by relatives on September 21. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan.
2014-02-24 · Sligo
The Court of Criminal Appeal has set aside the convictions of two nightclub doormen from Sligo and Co Mayo who were sentenced in 2011 for assault causing harm. Frankie Murphy of Stephen Street, Sligo, and John Molloy of Creggs Road, Ballina had each received three-year suspended sentences and were ordered to pay €10,000 following their conviction by Sligo Circuit Criminal Court jury in October 2011. The incident occurred in February 2009 at Envy nightclub in Sligo town, resulting in serious injury to the complainant. On appeal, the Court of Criminal Appeal found that the trial judge's charge to the jury had failed to adequately address the separate defences raised by each defendant, including self-defence and accident. Justice Elizabeth Dunne ruled that the convictions were unsafe and should be quashed. The State indicated it would seek further instructions regarding the matter, with the case listed for mention at a future date.
2014-02-10 · Longford
A 53-year-old mass-card salesman from Longford has begun an appeal against his conviction for possession of child pornography at the Court of Criminal Appeal. Thomas McNally was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment in October 2011 following a Longford Circuit Criminal Court jury verdict on charges relating to possessing 676 images downloaded in February 2006. The appeal centres on whether the defence was entitled to challenge expert evidence presented by the prosecution regarding handwriting found on the images. The defence sought to call a competing expert witness but the trial judge refused permission. McNally was granted bail on compassionate grounds pending the appeal. The court indicated proceedings would continue at a later hearing. Thomas McNally pleaded not guilty.